Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Yahoo Gave Iran Names of Dissidents: Blogger

Reportedly met with officials after Yahoo.com was shut down

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 9, 2009 9:44 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – A ZDNet blogger says Yahoo gave up the names and emails of 200,000 Iranian subscribers so the government would lift its block of the site during post-election violence. Yahoo turned over information on all Iranian users who publish blogs, writes Richard Korman, citing anonymous sources and a blog post written by student protesters. Once they got the list, which went back 5 years, Tehran authorities unblocked access to Yahoo.com.

Korman acknowledges the story isn't "buttoned down" but says he'll provide proof as it unfolds. "If true, this is a deeply troubling development and exposes Yahoo as determined to cooperate with repressive governments, regardless of who they might be. China, Iran, who else?"

Iranian protesters chant slogans as a public trash dumpster is set on fire during a protest in Tehran in July.
Iranian protesters chant slogans as a public trash dumpster is set on fire during a protest in Tehran in July.   (AP Photo)
The mother of Sohrab Arabi, shown on the poster, who was killed during Iran's post-election turmoil, at the grave of Neda Agha Soltan.
The mother of Sohrab Arabi, shown on the poster, who was killed during Iran's post-election turmoil, at the grave of Neda Agha Soltan.   (AP Photo)
Iranian protesters flash victory signs in July.
Iranian protesters flash victory signs in July.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Spudsy
Oct 10, 2009 2:33 AM CDT
No. It does matter if he is a Repub because this is how the party has been operating for the last eight years. And Americans should realize it. The GOP would bend over backwards if a christian government asked for information to assist it in doling out punishment for actions that endangered the religious establishment. And doing something for money would be the second cause of action by the GOP. No, it probably would be the first since their use of the religious fools in America is so blatantly cynical to all but the duped.
PhillytoWinnetka
Oct 9, 2009 9:58 AM CDT
It's very troubling...but we must remember that one is innocent until proven guilty.
PhillytoWinnetka
Oct 9, 2009 9:57 AM CDT
What?? It matters little what political party the CEO of yahoo belongs to. What matters is whether YAHOO really did this. Wake up.

 
Iran • Yahoo • Tehran • email

More Newser Stories

Iran Touts Its 'Key' Nuclear Achievements

Iran Cuts Off Oil Exports to 6 EU Countries

US Media Leading Propaganda War on Iran

Iran Disrupts Internet as Elections Loom

Iranian Man Blows Off Own Leg in Thai Bombing
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne